Philip "Pip" Nelson

Philip Leonard 'Pip' Nelson, 95, of Smolan, Kansas died August 3, 2012 at the Lindsborg community Hospital. He was born March 28, 1917 at Smolan to the late P.L. and Ester (Nelson) Nelson. Pip was baptised and confirmed in the Salemsborg Lutheran Church, attended Smolan schools, and granduated from Smolan High School in 1934. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Europe during World War II. Pip was a life member of the Emil Pinkall Anerican Legion Post in Lindsborg, and a life member of the Salina VFW. Pip was one of a group of neighbors who established the Smolan Volunteer Fire Department, serving as chief for over 20 years. He served on the Smolan City Council, and the Salemsborg Cemetery Board. In 1947 he purchased the Smolan Oil Company, which he and his wife Minnie operated for nearly 50 years. He joined a group of veterans on an honor flight to Washington D.C. in May of 2012, visiting the World War II Memorial, the Arlington National Cemetery, and other historic sites. Pip married Minnie (Kelley) Mallon on September 13, 1953 at Tescott, Kansas. The celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2003. Minnie preceded him in death on December 17, 2003. He was also preceded in death by three brothers; Robert, Ralph, and John Nelson; and three sisters; Emma Anderson, Edna Nelson, and Alice Dubrin. Survivors include a step-son; James Mallon and his wife Marlene, of Salina; brothers, Fred Nelson and his wife Joan, of Yucca Valley, California, and James Nelson and his wife Janice, of Firestone, Colorado; grandchildren, Syn Dee Wulf and husband Jeff, of Guide Rock, Nebraska, and Todd Mallon and his wife Jo, of Salina; as well as 5 great-grandchildren; 4 great great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at the Salemsborg Lutheran Church in rural Smolan, with Pastor Ethan Feistner officiating. Interment with military honors will follow at the Salemsborg Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, August 6, at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home. Family will greet friends from 7-8. Memorial contributions may be made in Pip's name to the Salemsborg Cemetery Association and may be sent in care of the funeral home, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas 67401.